MoGCSP COMMEMORATES 2025 WORLD CHILDREN’S DAY WITH 7TH NATIONAL CHILDREN’S PARLIAMENT SITTING

The Ministry of Gender, Children and Social Protection (MoGCSP) has marked the 2025 World Children’s Day with the 7th Sitting of the National Children’s Parliament.

The event was held under the theme “My Right: Investing in Early Childhood, A National Priority.” It provided a national platform for children to engage on issues affecting their lives and for stakeholders to discuss the implementation of the revised Early Childhood Care and Development (ECCD) Policy.

In her keynote address, the Minister for Gender, Children and Social Protection, Hon. Dr. Agnes Naa Momo Lartey, reaffirmed Ghana’s commitment to protecting children’s rights, particularly their right to participation, through the annual sittings of the National Children’s Parliament. She emphasised that this year’s theme offers children the opportunity to share their views on the revised ECCD Policy, stressing that every child deserves to live, learn, play, and grow in dignity and freedom.

The sector Minister further stressed that the early years of a child’s life are crucial for learning, behaviour, and long-term wellbeing. She highlighted that high-quality early childhood interventions, including prenatal care, early education, nutrition, protection from abuse, and parental support, yield lifelong benefits. Drawing on research from Nobel Laureate economist James Heckman, she noted that every dollar invested in early childhood development returns up to seven dollars in economic gains, demonstrating that ECCD is a highly effective strategy for breaking cycles of inter-generational poverty.

Touching on the revised ECCD Policy, the Minister explained that it adopts an integrated approach, covering care, stimulation, health, nutrition, and safety for children aged 0 to 8 years. She shared that the Ministry, with support from UNICEF, is developing a National Parenting Strategy to equip parents and caregivers with practical tools to enhance early learning and development.

Delivering the welcome address, the Chief Director of the Ministry, Dr. Afisah Zakariah highlighted the importance of nurturing children’s holistic development.

Key development partners, including UNICEF Ghana, Plan International, Children Believe, Compassion International, and SOS Ghana, shared solidarity messages during the celebration. Their remarks emphasised the importance of collaboration between government, communities, and partners in promoting early childhood development, strengthening child protection, and ensuring the realisation of children’s rights nationwide.

The 7th Sitting of the National Children’s Parliament featured debates and presentations by child parliamentarians from across the country. The children highlighted key issues affecting their constituencies, called on the President for swift interventions, and discussed the implementation of the revised ECCD Policy.

Their contributions emphasised the need for effective programmes, advocacy, and collective action to advance the welfare and development of all Ghanaian children. UNICEF GhanaWorld Vision Ghana Plan International Ghana @Children Believe @Compassion Ghana @SOS Children Villages Ghana

Source: MoGCSP